Chapter 10

I had never wanted to see such calm smiles on Mr. Kamel and Miss Emma's faces as much as I do now. Even though we had only lived together for a short period, perhaps their calmness on that day had been a source of solace for me.

"I have to... no, but—"

I thought I had to talk.

Clearly, my sister was doing something wrong. Stopping this was the role of someone close, and it was the family's duty to correct her head-on.

However, at that moment, I lacked the courage. To be more precise, I was confused.

No matter how much more experience I had in mental matters compared to others, the fact that a family member was having an affair... and to have witnessed her with her stepson, I couldn't remain calm. If it had been just anyone else, I might have barged into the room and stopped it without hesitation... But the person involved was of a much higher status, and my sister also held her own authority. Even as a younger sister, I couldn't just charge in recklessly. This was a strict hierarchical society different from Japan, and considering the displeasure it might cause my brother-in-law, Count Conrad, I understood that I needed to have the appropriate resolve to voice my opinion.

But why? Why could they do such a thing?

As I pondered, I suddenly looked up and met the eyes of my sister's confused servant, which brought me back to my senses.

"Excuse me. I'll take my leave here. Please tell the prince and my sister that I'm going home."

I stood up and asked them to pass on the message. I just wanted to get out of this den of iniquity and clear my head. I had no idea what to say, but I couldn't talk in front of the prince. At the very least, I needed to bring my brother or someone else and think of a plan before confronting them.

"Wait."

The one who grabbed my wrist as I tried to leave was Rinald. Right, it would be impolite to leave without saying goodbye to him. I had to apologize for the rudeness of ignoring him while he was so close.

"I was flustered. I'm sorry, I didn't even greet you properly..."

"That's not it. ...You were about to leave through the front door, but do you have a way to get home?"

"Huh? ...Oh, no, I don't."

Changing clothes... forget it. It was too much trouble to rummage through the room. Before I could even ask to borrow a carriage from my sister, Rinald had already given instructions to his guard.

"Moritz, take Miss Karen home. Arrange it quickly."

"Yes, sir."

"Neika, can you bring a blanket or a long coat?"

"I have one I can lend you."

"Thank you."

"I'll prepare it."

Without giving me a chance to object, they quickly made the arrangements, and before I knew it, I was in the carriage. Neika, one of Rinald's subordinates, had lent me a coat, and I was sitting across from Rinald.

"Miss Karen, is Count Conrad's residence acceptable?"

I wanted to say Kirsten's place, but my brother was at work, and I didn't know where he was. My relationship with my father was also strained. I indicated this with a gesture, and two of Rinald's subordinates also got in. Moritz sat next to Rinald, and Neika sat next to me. There was enough space to sit comfortably.

"Miss Karen, please forgive me."

I didn't understand why Moritz was apologizing, but it seemed to be about the shared ride. He gave the impression of being a strict and disciplined military man, and both he and Neika had a serious demeanor and sharp eyes.

"Thank you for taking me home. I even borrowed a coat... Neika, is that okay? I'll wash it and return it, so please let me."

Neika looked surprised when I spoke to her. ...Why?

"Where should we take you? Your workplace is fine, right?"

"I appreciate your concern, but it's an issued item, so I can't ask you to do that much..."

"That's not acceptable. If you need the coat immediately, of course, I'll return it."

"It's a spare, so don't worry..."

"Then I'll wash it and return it."

This person was strikingly handsome, with neatly tied red hair and a very dignified and cool appearance. What caught my attention were the small scars on her neck and ears, and the well-worn hilt of her sword, which suggested a wealth of combat experience. Neika glanced at Rinald, and when he didn't say anything, she nodded hesitantly.

"...Thank you for your concern. If you could take me to the Third Regiment, that would be fine."

"What is your last name, Neika?"

"Saganov. Neika Saganov. That should be enough to find me."

"Understood, Miss Saganov."

I noted her name in my mental notebook, and just as the carriage was about to start, voices of conversation could be heard from outside. The door was knocked on, and it turned out to be the butler of the Sabrova household, who had seen us off at the front door.

"Madam instructed me to give this to Miss Karen to take home."

It was the small box given as a wedding gift before the eavesdropping was discovered. I was grateful for the gesture but didn't feel like accepting it, so I tried to refuse. However, the butler and the servants behind him looked at me with pleading eyes, silently begging me to take it. I noticed the sweat on the butler's forehead as he bowed and extended his arm, and I had no choice but to accept it. The butler, clearly relieved, apologized for the delay and the carriage started moving as we were seen off by the servants. Inside the box, the decoration was still there, looking as adorable as ever.

"Do you like it?"

Rinald asked, even though he knew about the eavesdropping.

"Whether I can accept it honestly or not is another matter... but for my sister, this is a rare good taste, so yes, I do like it. I really think it's beautiful."

"I see. Then take good care of it. Regardless of the sender, the gift itself is innocent."

"Rinald, you can be quite sharp-tongued."

"Forgive me, I let my guard down in front of people I'm comfortable with."

"You're quite skilled at it."

It's hard to feel bad when a handsome person smiles at you. I managed to smile, but I didn't feel like continuing the conversation and fell silent.

The bracelet was really to my liking. The light blue stone set in the base—was it a garnet, a tourmaline, or a beryl? I wasn't knowledgeable about gems, but I could still appreciate its beauty.

Thinking about my sister...

...Could a two-year gap really change a person so much?

Or did she change because she became a concubine? I just couldn't understand.

At least, before I was driven out, my sister, though somewhat aloof from society, was a sensible young lady. After becoming a concubine, she started arranging her own matches and introducing me to Rinald...

...From a third-person perspective, she might have become more self-centered, but I still believed she was someone who could consider others' feelings.

At least, she wasn't a bad sister to me. I wanted to believe she wasn't bad.

She was the one who was most outraged when I was forgotten by my mother and tried to persuade her. Before I was driven out, she stormed into my father's study, throwing things and fighting to the bitter end. When she was scolded, she went on a hunger strike and fainted, causing the nanny to cry and scold her.

She had many selfish sides, but she was also very emotional.

She had a past of crying over the pain of a broken home due to my mother's mistakes, yet she easily found herself in the same position. Moreover, the fact that she did this while I was visiting was so far from the image of the sister I knew that my brain was still in a state of confusion.

The current thought that came to mind was that the chain of infidelity across two generations was too much. If my sister was caught, it would be the end for Kirsten.

But that was still manageable. It was bad, but there was still a chance to advise her, so it was somewhat better.

The real problem was Prince David.

While my sister had issues, I was beyond angry and just felt exasperated with that womanizer. Regardless of who initiated the relationship, the fact that he was sleeping with the king's concubine was outrageous. His attitude towards me and his arrogant demeanor made it impossible to have any good feelings towards him. As a prince, any advice would be meaningless.

"...I can't understand."

I was surprised by my own voice.

I had spoken my thoughts aloud and covered my mouth. The three of them were naturally looking at me, and I muttered "Excuse me" and averted my gaze.

Since I was being taken home, I should think about it later. It was unseemly to express such despairing thoughts.

"Miss Karen, about the incident at the mansion—"

"Ah, right. Please, if possible, keep today's incident confidential—"

"Yes, I and my subordinates will not speak of it. However, we don't know how much of this has already leaked. Your brother might have some information."

"Yes, I'll do my best... to the extent I can."

I really didn't want anyone to know, but appealing to him wouldn't change anything.

Oh, when did they start? When did they become like that? Please, let no one else know!

"If it's not too much trouble, I'll ask my brother to speak with the prince."

"...Is that really okay?"

"Probably, if my brother was there, he would do the same. Besides, Kirsten's downfall is not in our family's interest."

"Advising them... no, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

I remember Prince David calling Rinald's brother "my friend." I don't know if it's true, but if it is, I hope he can do something about that guy.

"For now, you should rest. You don't look well."

"Yes, that's true. I was hoping to meet my brother tonight, but... yes, I'll do that."

The rain had started again, and if it continued, the fog would deepen, making it difficult to go out. The carriage arrived safely at Count Conrad's residence, and the servants, confused by the unfamiliar coat of arms, welcomed us.

The appearance of Lady Henrik and Nico from inside must have been quite a shock. They saw me, who they thought had gone out alone, getting out of the carriage with the help of a very handsome man.

"Normally, I should greet the count's son, but in this state, I ask for your understanding. Please convey my regards through Miss Karen."

"We just arrived and are in a hurry, so we can't meet properly. Please tell the Rodenwaldts that we appreciate their hospitality."

"Thank you. I hope to see you again soon."

"Thank you. But, it might be better if we don't see each other."

I returned a smile, but it felt different from the last time he had taken me home. Even drenched, his demeanor was captivating until the very end. The kiss on my fingers was something I had expected, so it wasn't a problem.

I watched as they got back into the carriage and left, then turned around.

"Lady Henrik, I need to change clothes—"

Lady Henrik was looking at me with a bizarre expression, and Nico was blushing. I noticed that Sven was standing with his arms crossed.

I understood why Nico was blushing; she was probably captivated by Rinald. But I was wondering why Lady Henrik was so stiff until Sven stepped in front of me, holding up one finger.

"......Is this it?"

Okay, let's talk.

Thank you as always.